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Eagles Players Inspire Kids to Play Footy

Thursday, May 17, 2018 - 10:20 AM

Despite preparing for the biggest game of their campaign so far, the West Coast Eagles still took the time to get out and about in the community and touch base with some of their young fan base within local schools.

The Subiaco District saw 2 of its local primary schools receive some player visits on Monday 14th May. Takari Primary School had Andrew Gaff, Luke Shuey, Nathan Vardy and Josh Rotham pay a visit and share some insight into what it’s like being an Eagle and their football journey before heading to the oval and sharing some tips with students on how to better their AFL skills.

Our Lady of Mercy Primary School also received a visit from some star Eagles players such as Mark Hutchings, Willie Rioli, Jarrod Brander and Hamish Brayshaw. The day kicked off with a whole school assembly where the players were interviewed by District Development Officer Matt Debarro. The players gave an insight into their huge win away against GWS and their upcoming top of the table clash verse reigning premiers Richmond. Eagle Mark Hutchings commented on his junior days and being a local boy to the OLOM area, “I was a local boy who grew up playing juniors at Girrawheen Pumas who were the local club for this school back then. I played footy at school as well with my mates, which was great fun. I play the game because it’s fun for me and I will continue to do so until it isn’t anymore.”

Teachers and students got the chance to ask some questions and get some Eagles memorabilia signed as well as a few photos with their heroes. The eagles then conducted a skills session for the year 6 students on the oval. The players ran some handballing and kicking drills with the kids before playing some fun games and kicking some goals. District Development Officer Matt Debarro had this to say. “It was again another awesome experience for the kids delivered by the West Coast Eagles Players. It is very mind blowing that they continue to take the time to touch base with their fans and grass roots footy despite such an important fixture for them this weekend. The players work well with the kids and do a great job engaging them in the activities and the interviews.”

The staff at OLOM were just as excited as the students to receive a visit from their team of champions with many of them also getting jumpers and memorabilia signed, along with photos to show their friends. The visit has also inspired the school to enter a year 5/6 girls team into the upcoming Subiaco District lightning carnival in week 5 May 30th at Kingsley park where the students will be able to showcase their new skills learnt from the Eagles skill session.

The district would like to thank the West Coast Eagles for their contribution to helping grow the game of AFL, and we wish them the best of luck for this weekend’s clash with the Tigers and for the rest of the season ahead.